Adopted Kitten Saves His Mom’s Life

Back in November 2017, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. in which my body attacks and kills cells in my pancreas, and it is now unable to produce insulin. Also called Type 1 Diabetes, the diagnosis means that I have to take insulin for the rest of my life and manage my blood sugar daily, or I could die.

A few months ago, I saw a friend’s Facebook post in which she was showing off kittens she was fostering for Austin Pets Alive. I wasn’t looking to adopt another cat when I saw that post, but something told me that I needed tiny Merrick in my life.

I was instantly head over heels for that boy from the moment I saw him, and we brought him home when he was just 8 weeks old. Merrick quickly became such a momma’s boy, and always has to be by my side. And then something unexpected happened. Within a month of his arrival in our home, he began alerting me and my husband at night when my blood sugar was falling too low in my sleep (which can be deadly). He cries, and he licks and nibbles my lips, ears, and nose until I wake up.

Merrick has literally saved my life, twice, when my levels dropped dangerously low and I was unable to wake myself. He went and woke my husband, who was then able to give me the medication I needed to bring up my blood sugar. Merrick is always there for me when I’m recovering from an extreme low or high blood sugar experience. He lets me hug on him and cuddle for as long as I need. Merrick is a grey furry God-sent angel, and I do not know what I would do without him.

Each year, Petco Love invites adopters to share the story of how their adopted pet changed their lives during the annual Holiday Wishes campaign, giving the organization that they adopted from a chance to receive a grant award. This story by Reeka won Austin Pets Alive in Texas a 2018 Holiday Wishes award.